Gareth Ellis may be coming close to the end of his illustrious career but he is already thinking about the near future and taking Hull FC fans to the promised land.

Whilst back-to-back successes in the Challenge Cup has seen Ellis, his team-mates and the coaching staff earn legendary status, the 36-year-old wants to keep the Old Faithful smiling right through until the end of the 2017 campaign.

FC fans were seen adorning the streets of Hull yesterday as the Black and Whites enjoyed a balcony reception at Queen Victoria Square following on from their open-top deck bus ride through the city.

But Super League success has always been the ultimate aim of the squad this year with Ellis insisting he’s desperate for one more parade before he hangs up his boots.

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“It was an outstanding turnout from an outstanding set of supporters yesterday.” Ellis told the Mail. “I definitely won’t forget that experience of lifting the trophy up on the balcony. I’ll remember times like that forever.

“Days like the parade across the city are the ones when you see how much it means to the fans of the club. The journey and the reception at the city hall was excellent.

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“The potential has always been there for the club and now we are starting to live up to some of that potential. Hopefully we can put a few more smiles on their faces in the near future as well.

“It would be great to do this again in October. We are enjoying the pressure of performing now and we want to have that again. Champions have that desire to keep fighting to taste success and that’s what we have.”

Success is something to be shared and Ellis has managed to do that over the years with his family, who have witnessed the forward in an England and Great Britain shirt, ply his trade in Australia, win the league and now become Cup kings.

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“There were nearly 20 family members back at the hotel with me after the game. Throughout my career there are so many highlights and we have been able to share it all,” Ellis said. “Going to Australia, Grand Final and Cup successes, I’d like to think they have enjoyed my career as much as I have.”

And his family might have one more title to celebrate on October 7 when the Grand Final takes place at Old Trafford.

In the meantime, Hull face Leeds on Thursday as they try to cut the gap to the Rhinos to one point.

“I’m actually looking forward to it. We have a different mind-set this year,” Ellis added. “We are now moving on to the next stage of the plan.”